Carole Dastous

Multimedia Journalist

This year's Strathmore Stampede and Heritage Days event was a rousing success in spite of the absence rides and games on this year's midway.

Last year's successful partnership with Canuck Amusements midway display could not be repeated this year due to a scheduling conflict, said Jessica Hall, office administrator for the Strathmore &District Agricultural Society in an interview last week.

"We really missed the carnival on the midway. This left a big hole for families and younger kids," said Jim Cammaert, interim General Manager of the Strathmore & District Agricultural Society.

In spite of a "wildly successful" weekend, record crowd for the World Professional Chuckwagon Association (WPCA) and the 10th annual Running with the Bulls events, Cammaert said the trade and vendors on the fair grounds suffered from the absence of the midway rides and games.

"Without the midway, the sales are not as good for the trades and vendors," said Cammaert.

Agro Equipment of Strathmore stepped in with a John Deere agricultural display for the midway.

The Cabaret on Saturday night was a success, the 50/50 draws were up and there were otherwise "records in all departments," said Cammaert.

It is not clear yet whether next year's midway will include rides and games.